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Tag: antitrust
August 14, 2024
TECH

Could Google Really Be Broken Up?

Google could soon be broken up into smaller companies after the Internet search giant was found to be in violation of U.S. antitrust law last week. The Justice Department (DOJ) is weighing a range of potential remedies to Google‘s search monopoly for consideration by a federal judge. One option would be to force the company to spin off parts of its business, like the Chrome browser and Android smartphone.

While breaking up Google is a distinct possibility, other options under consideration include forcing the tech giant to adopt data interoperability—meaning they’d be required to share data with competitors. Additionally, the court could nullify deals that make Google’s search engine the default setting on various devices, including Apple‘s iPhone.

The DOJ is reportedly consulting with technology industry experts and companies impacted by Google‘s monopoly regarding potential remedies. According to individuals close to the discussions, the deliberations are currently in preliminary stages.

Judge Amit P. Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, overseeing the case, has directed both the DOJ and Google to establish a procedural framework by September 4. A subsequent hearing to outline the next steps is set for September 6.

Last week’s judgment against Google represents a significant milestone in antitrust enforcement. The ruling will likely intensify the scrutiny of technology conglomerates such as Apple, Amazon, and Meta, which are also facing antitrust investigations. Google is scheduled for another antitrust trial focused on ad technology next month.

The implications for the tech giant are substantial, given the company’s evolution into a $2 trillion enterprise driven by a robust online advertising apparatus and other ventures tied to its search engine. Last year, Google‘s search engine and associated businesses generated $175 billion in revenue.

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Google could soon be broken up into smaller companies after the Internet search giant was found to be in violation of U.S. antitrust law last week. The Justice Department (DOJ) is weighing a range of potential remedies to Google's search monopoly for consideration by a federal judge. One option would be to force the company to spin off parts of its business, like the Chrome browser and Android smartphone. show more
August 6, 2024
TECH

Google Monopoly Ruling in U.S. Raises Questions for Search Engine’s Future.

In a landmark decision, a U.S. District Court judge has found that Google illegally used its market dominance to suppress competition. The case, which has significant implications for the tech industry, was initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under then-President Donald Trump in 2020. Subsequently, the agency charged Google with abusing its monopoly in online search and advertising, leading to inflated prices for advertisers and limited options for consumers.

During the trial, DOJ attorneys argued that Google’s control over the search engine market allowed it to maintain high advertising prices. They also claimed that Google‘s financial position enabled the company to invest extensively in its search engine, further entrenching its dominance. Google countered these allegations by asserting that users have historically switched search engines if they were not satisfied with the results, citing Yahoo’s prior dominance in the 1990s.

After months of consideration, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had violated antitrust laws. In his written opinion, Mehta described Google as a “monopolist” and asserted that the company acted in an anti-competitive manner.

The decision paves the way for a new legal phase in which the court will determine the penalties and changes required to mitigate Google‘s anti-competitive behavior. Potential outcomes range from significant measures, such as dismantling parts of its business, to more moderate actions aimed at promoting competition and consumer choice.

Google is expected to appeal the ruling, possibly taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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In a landmark decision, a U.S. District Court judge has found that Google illegally used its market dominance to suppress competition. The case, which has significant implications for the tech industry, was initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under then-President Donald Trump in 2020. Subsequently, the agency charged Google with abusing its monopoly in online search and advertising, leading to inflated prices for advertisers and limited options for consumers. show more
March 21, 2024
William Upton
Economy
Politics

Gaetz & Vance Heap Praise on Biden Appointee!? Here’s Why…

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chairwoman Lina Khan is one of the few appointees in the Biden government to draw praise from across the political aisle. Khan’s aggressive approach to anti-trust action and her ongoing battle for consumer privacy against data brokers has earned her praise from a handful of House and Senate Republicans.

“I hope her work continues in the Trump administration,” Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) recently told NOTUS in an interview. He added: “Her work against data brokers has been very important. Her work against some of the consolidated market power that hurts consumers has really inspired me.”

The populist wing of the Republican Party in Congress — some of former President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters — sees an ally in Khan. As chairwoman of the FTC, Khan has been most active in fighting against consolidation of corporate power — especially in the technology industry. It is this battle against ‘BigTech’ that has earned Khan most of her accolades from the political right.

“I probably am one of the few Republicans who thinks Lina Khan is doing a good job,” said Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) before continuing: “I think she has some justifiable concerns about corporate concentration.”

Another Senate ally of former President Donald Trump, Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), has even found common ground with the arch-progressive Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on anti-trust efforts — agreeing with the former Democrat presidential candidate that free markets need a degree of policing to truly be competitive.

“She’s willing to take on some of those industries that look like nobody can take them on and make them more competitive,” Braun said of Khan’s leadership at the FTC, warning critics of the chairwoman: “If you don’t make the effort, you’re promoting oligopolies and monopolies.”

Khan’s aggressive pursuit of anti-trust action against corporate consolidation in tech and other industries has drawn the ire of neo-liberal and globalist organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Wall Street Journal’s editorial page, the Jeff Yass-funded Club for Growth, and the network groups funded by Charles Koch. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has also been a vocal critic of Khan’s FTC tenure. According to Cruz, Khan is “extreme and radical.” However, most of the Texas Republican’s criticism has been regarding her management style — rather than the substance of her policy and legal actions against Big Tech and other industries controlled by business cartels and monopolies.

“A lot of these people that go work in government positions that interface with big business, they want to create the virus for the sole reason of selling the antidote when they get out,” Gaetz said before concluding: “She’s not; she’s actually doing good work.”

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Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chairwoman Lina Khan is one of the few appointees in the Biden government to draw praise from across the political aisle. Khan’s aggressive approach to anti-trust action and her ongoing battle for consumer privacy against data brokers has earned her praise from a handful of House and Senate Republicans. show more
google
September 12, 2023
News
TECH

Biden’s Google Anti-Trust Trial Begins Today.

The Biden Department of Justice’s landmark anti-trust case against Google’s search engine monopoly is set to begin today, with the lawsuit – originally filed in October of 2020 – alleging that Google formed an anticompetitive monopoly through revenue-sharing agreements with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla, which make Google the default search engine on web browsers and mobile phones. Google contests the claims, arguing its agreements are not exclusive and that device default settings can be easily changed. The trial is expected to last for eight to ten weeks, and an initial ruling is not expected until next year.

If Google loses, it could lead to major changes in its business arrangements and potential divestments. The outcome also has implications for other investigations and lawsuits faced by tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Ticketmaster, as it could shape how U.S. courts and enforcers handle anti-competitive behavior by dominant companies that establish monopoly power.

The trial is being presided over by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who was appointed by former President Barack Obama. It is expected to take years before a final decision is reached. If Google loses, a second trial will be needed to determine an appropriate remedy, followed by potential appeals that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. The trial is considered a key legal precedent for determining how companies can leverage their dominance in one market to gain an advantage in another.

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The Biden Department of Justice's landmark anti-trust case against Google's search engine monopoly is set to begin today, with the lawsuit – originally filed in October of 2020 – alleging that Google formed an anticompetitive monopoly through revenue-sharing agreements with companies like Apple, Samsung, and Mozilla, which make Google the default search engine on web browsers and mobile phones. Google contests the claims, arguing its agreements are not exclusive and that device default settings can be easily changed. The trial is expected to last for eight to ten weeks, and an initial ruling is not expected until next year. show more